Sask. RCMP sends a message in celebration of National Police Week
This week, the Saskatchewan RCMP will be celebrating National Police Week, which provides an opportunity to showcase and acknowledge the outstanding work of all categories of employees.
The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police have chosen “Committed to Serve” as the theme of this year’s National Police Week.
The Saskatchewan RCMP has become a leader in our organization when it comes to modernization efforts - due in part to the creation of the Divisional Innovation Committee which identifies, assesses and implements new technologies and procedures to increase efficiencies and enhancements so we are able to provide the best policing service possible.
We have continued steps towards Reconciliation by standing up the Saskatchewan RCMP Reconciliation Committee and starting the Indigenous Recruiting Unit, who in February and March hosted three-day recruiting events – the first of their kind in the country. While all of these (and many more) initiatives are being developed behind the scenes, officers and employees around the province continue to provide exceptional frontline service, all while facing staffing shortages - a pressure, among others, that does not go unnoticed.
In tandem with our success and steadfastness, particularly in the face of adversity, we’ve been delivered a number of challenges and tragedies within the Division in the last year. We’ve endured the devastating loss of colleagues across the country, killed in the line of duty; complex gang and drug-related investigations that are compounded by a number of other issues; and, the mass casualty homicides on the James Smith Cree Nation and in Weldon, Saskatchewan, to name just a few…
Whether it be on the frontlines or behind the scenes, I am thankful for the work of our employees who continue to make a positive impact in communities across Saskatchewan. I am always in awe of their commitment to continued exceptional service and growth within our organization. I am regularly reminded by our stakeholders, partners, fellow police agencies, and the people we serve about the incredible things our employees are doing, the impact they are having and the change they are making. Lastly, to our news agency partners, who continue to play an important role to help our stories reach every corner of the province – thank you for working with us and for giving us an opportunity to talk about our commitment to keeping the people of Saskatchewan, safe.
Rhonda Blackmore is the Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore, Commanding Officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP
Editor’s note: The RCMP added some extra work they are doing with the wildfire situation: Saskatchewan RCMP continues to assist communities affected by wildfires
Last week, a group of officers from Saskatchewan RCMP’S Tactical Support Group travelled to Alberta to assist Alberta RCMP as fires threatened communities in the province’s northwest region.
Our officers patrolled in and around evacuated communities to provide police visibility and deter criminal activity. They returned from duties in Alberta late last week.
Over the weekend, a wildfire southeast of Dillon, SK led to the full evacuation of the communities of Buffalo River Dene Nation, St. George’s Hill and Michel Village, and of vulnerable residents in Buffalo Narrows. Visibility on the roads in the area has been poor due to smoke, and Buffalo Narrows RCMP accompanied buses carrying evacuees until they were out of the affected area. Highway #155, between Buffalo Narrows and Ile a la Crosse, is closed as of the time of publication and Ile a la Crosse RCMP are assisting with redirecting traffic.
Officers are proactively patrolling evacuated communities to ensure they remain safe and secure. Both Buffalo Narrows and Ile a la Crosse RCMP continue to monitor the fire and are in frequent contact with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) and community leadership.
Hot, dry conditions continue and as we move into the long weekend, Saskatchewan RCMP urges everyone to be mindful of current fire bans. Be cautious if you do light a fire for camping or cooking, if you are disposing of cigarettes or if you are driving or parking any type of vehicle off-road.